In Belgium

Conciliation committees (commissions de conciliation / verzoeningscommissies) are joint bodies established in most large Belgian municipalities to help resolve landlord-tenant disputes amicably, without going to court.

The committee is composed of equal numbers of landlord representatives and tenant representatives, chaired by a neutral person (often a municipal official).

How it works

Scope. Common disputes handled: rent level disagreements, service charge disputes, maintenance and repair responsibilities, inventory disagreements.

Procedure. Either party can request conciliation (free of charge). Both parties are invited to a hearing. The committee listens to both sides, examines documents, and proposes a solution. The proposal is not binding — both parties must agree.

Outcome. If agreement is reached, it is formalised in writing. If not, the parties retain the right to bring the matter before the justice of the peace.

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Good to know
Conciliation is faster and free compared to court proceedings. It is worth attempting before filing with the justice of the peace, as it can resolve disputes in a few weeks rather than months.

Practical example

A tenant in Schaerbeek disputes the service charge statement, claiming the heating costs are inflated. The landlord refuses to adjust. The tenant requests conciliation at the municipal conciliation committee. After examining the heating invoices, the committee proposes splitting the disputed amount. Both parties agree, avoiding a 6-month court procedure.